(KNZA)--A Horton man charged in connection with a stabbing in Holton last November has pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated battery. 

23-year-old Austin Whitebird had originally pleaded not guilty in February to the charge but recently changed his plea, canceling a three-day jury trial that had been scheduled to begin July 5th.

Authorities say Whitebird stabbed 26-year-old Travis Hawkins multiple times at a Holton residence on November 23rd.

Hawkins was initially taken to the Holton Community Hospital for treatment of what were described as life-threatening injuries at the time and later transferred to a Topeka hospital.

Whitebird was arrested the following day by Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies after he was located in a vehicle south of Holton.

He remains in the Jackson County Jail.